O’Hara’s former aide fears for star’s wellbeing

The woman legally charged with handling the affairs of iconic actress Maureen O’Hara has spoken about her fears after the star’s surprise relocation to the US.

The move came days before the High Court was to hear arguments as to who should have control over O’Hara’s estate. O’Hara, 92, was flown to the US last weekend, and is now living with her grandson, Conor Beau Fitzsimons, in Idaho.

The star originally made her home in Glengarriff, Co Cork, in 2005 when a stroke forced her to stay as she could no longer fly.

Her nephew, Charlie Fitzsimons, said she was cleared to fly by a doctor and had been well since the trip. He said the decision was taken with her and was in her best interests, given the stress of the case.

Her ex-personal assistant Carolyn Murphy has asked the court to approve the enduring power of attorney O’Hara granted her in 2006. She has not spoken to O’Hara since May 27 — until then she was in constant contact with the star.

Over the summer a competing power of attorney instruction has attempted to be established. This seeks to put Charlie Fitzsimons and O’Hara’s new lawyer, Ed Fickess, jointly in charge of O’Hara’s affairs.

Ms Murphy said she is concerned about O’Hara’s wellbeing after the flight and wants to know why she left.

Mr Fitzsimons said it was a family decision.

Ms Murphy has rejected the family’s allegations that she ever misappropriated O’Hara’s funds. Ms Murphy said she has had the accounts verified by accountants appointed by O’Hara. She wants the court to make its ruling on the power of attorney issue before taking any further action.